Threatened today

I'm numb. Actually numb. Yes, I was threatened today. For those who have read the ongoing saga regarding my job... strange and sad to say it has grown worse. If there ever was a chance that it could of gotten worse. I went to work today thinking that I can be my own sunshine myself even if those around me are so ugly and rude. Focusing on my customers.... who, btw were thrilled that I was back! Phones ringing off the hook (typical day) and I am the one responsible for answering them no matter IF I have someone at my desk...still my responsibility..but that is ok. Mid morning... customer at desk, phones going bonkers... I excuse myself..." good morning (name of business) may I help you?" Well you would of thought that I had done some awful sin in answering the phone like that. The person calling in that I had answered the phone to was non other than the uber boss. Head of everyone, who is PO'ed that I took the extra week off. The response I got was hissed at me... I was to NEVER answer the phone like that.... what? What did I do? I was totally shocked and in the dark??? What what what? My sin? I didn't say my name. That was it. Never mind that I have tremendous phone skills and have been complemented on how I sound on the phone. So upbeat, cheerful and happy. Whereas most of my co-workers sound like they are working in some backwater bar... they slur their words and sound like a barroom chippie answering the phone. No manners at all. NONE I chalk the anger up to the fact that they are just mad at me. They are known for being petty and vengeful... seriously so. So I go on... I'm not going to let this drag me down... Phone rings about 20 minutes later.. Good morning (name of Business) ... *****this is where it gets bad****. I started to say how may I help you again but I remembered that I was supposed to say my name. I was sitting there juggling a desk full of paperwork and multiple phone lines ringing at once... and after that slight hesitation I realized OHHHHHH man say your name. So I did in my normal cheery sing song voice... "this is (my name)". OH THE PROVERBIAL YOU KNOW WHAT HIT THE FAN. Guess who had called in again?? (and no I cannot tell who is calling in either) It was them again. The uber boss. Because I had hesitated before saying my name they thought I was being hateful and they YELLED at me again... saying that that was enough. Yelling it. I was to go into so and so's office and wait for them to get there. They were on their way. I was yelled at. I was dressed down. I explained that I was not trying to be hateful or smart. I was trying to remember to say my name. I was told that there was no way that my attitude was going to be tolerated? (btw...what attitude? ME? What about everyone else? but no, I'm the one with the attitude) Me, the person who gets rave reviews of my customer service knowledge and demeanor was being told that they didn't want me treating a customer like that. It went on and on. I was flogged verbally and emotionally. They were so mad I literally thought that this person was going to pop a vein or stroke out. You would of been proud of me. I knew it futile to argue. It would of made it all the worse. I did tell them that it was not my intention to offend them and that I was sorry that it had been taken that way. I must of said that 5 times.... I was told that I was going to be put on probation for 90 days and that if my "attitude" didn't change that I could take my things and walk out the door. Then they proceeded to grill me about my extra week off. Why did I take it. When was I seen by the dr. What was their name., Where did they work. Who told me that I could take the extra week off. Who was that dr. where did they work ... I was interogated. I sat there and very calmly and with great poise did the entire run down. Taken here then, taken there then, in ambulance then, to that hospital then...and so on. The calmer I was the more enraged the other person became. I was told that I had to bring in my proof. So that is it folks... that was my day. I have been watched like a hawk. All the other workers were tittering away while I was being dressed down ... oh great fun. Look who is in trouble to boot!.... Deep down inside I was crying even though I remained cheerful and upbeat on the outside. I cannot stand this place. It is toxic. But they are smart enough not to fire me because then I could draw unemployment benefits. Hence the "probation" bs. I was told a letter would be drafted that I would have to sign. I don't care what type of letter they produce. I cannot NOT sign it as it would just serve to incite this person into another rage. If I ever find myself in a legal situation I can easily state that I signed it under duress which would be true. I'm tired and I have a headache and my leg is killing me. I so do not want to go back there.... oh folks... please please say some prayers for me. I desperately need them. Pixielf~

Pixielf~ Reading your latest post about the horrible day you had today is infuriating -- there is no reason for an adult to treat another individual in such a hateful manner. Please keep your cool (as difficult as it may be) and don't stoop to their level. I'm sending you an email with a couple of thoughts. Hang in there!

Dear Elizabeth, How horrible for you! it sounds like harrassment to me. I would file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. What horrible people. Carol

Carol.. I know I should do something... I will have to email you privately when I get home this afternoon from work. The details of who the employer is and who the person is makes it all the more trickier. This is just not a run of the mill business... and I am totally at a loss for how to handle it. I know it is discriminatory.... I know it is. Pixielf~

Sorry you had such a bad day, I can relate. Last year I worked for Yakov Smirnoff Theatre here in Branson I mostly answered phone and took show reservations. One day I ended up alone in the office and the rude Yakov called and got put on hold because I was busy selling tickets for his show. I was supposed to have know he was on the phone I guess. He got real mad at me and they did not ask me back this year. They expect you to read minds. Yakov would call and expect us to hunt all over the building for the manage and sometimes she was not even in the builiding. He is funny but he is very rude and thinks the whole world revolves around him. I am glad I am not working for the jerk this season, although I will be glad when I get will enough to do some kind of work again. Sometimes employers dont appreciate you at all and expect a lot out of you. It is not fair but unfortunatley so is life. Keep your chin up and maybe you will find something better.

David... I'm sorry that you had to endure something like that as well. Pardon my language but it is like WTH you know? Just like in your case you WERE working and doing what you should of been doing (just like me) and GOD forbid they didn't like what you were doing..... *sigh*.... big fishies in a small pond thinking that they are ALL that and throwing their weight around horribly. Little dictators eh? Glad to see you posting honey.... how are you feeling? I have been thinking of you! Pixielf~

Don't sign anything! If they want to fire you for not signing something, let them...then collect your unemployment and find another job. Is there another boss who is above the boss you're talking about? Would it help to go to them? And isn't there some sort of medical act that says you can keep your job even if you've been out for a while? If the pay and insurance is worth it, you might want to see where you can go with harrassment charges, get a lawyer. If not, you might really want to just cut your losses and find someplace where you are truly happy. You are in a tough situation, and I hope it all works out. Pamela

Pam... Thank you for posting to me. Unfortunately the Uber boss is the CEO's daughter. She basically IS the boss as he is nearing retirement and she handles all the goings on for all the businesses. Anytime anyone has been a "bad" girl they write up this stupid letter outlining what they think is YOUR bad behaviour and they make you sign it. If you don't then you are treated even worse. Trust me. I'm not so worried about signing something as I know in a court situation (with the documentation that I have already) that I could easily prove it was under durress (SP)?. I have been looking high and low for a job for weeks... basically right after I had my surgery as I just knew deep down inside that I didn't want to go back there... and I guess my gut feelings were right on. The treatment that I have had since returning has taken the proverbial cake as far as how vile they could ever possibly be. It is like a witch hunt and they are trying to manipulate the situation so they sound blameless. I don't think so. You can't grill an employee about their medical situation other than to ask if there is a work release form from the dr. documenting the need to be out for the x number of days. They didn't do that... had a freaking pad and was writing things down in their rage... where was I here...when was that. What date, what dr. blah blah blah.... Unbelievable eh? Thanks again honey... and how are YOU? I have been thinking of you too!... Gosh darn...it sure sucks when things go awry don't they? But so exciting for you thinking about a new little one too! I am so excited for you Pam!!!! Pixielf~

I suppose all those problems at work are still stemming from your significant weight loss. It REALLY sucks that your boss is the CEO's daughter...the only way that could work in your favor is if the CEO can remember what a jerk the kid could be. Probably not. My baby plans are on hold for about 3 months. I'm having surgery to remove my fibroid next Wednesday, and can't TTC for a short time after that. Oh well...just 3 more months I can use to get my body into better shape. If I stay motivated long enough... Pamela

Pam... But this is all good news!! You are going to be able to get that yucky fibroid outta the way and then heal... and then!!! Baby number 2 hopefully on the way soon! Our Missouri board needs a new little one on it *s*... we can even have a shower for you! How cool is that??? As for my situation... the CEO is nice enough but they have turned everything over to this person and it is just a bad bad situation... REALLY bad.... and I believe that you are right. As my weight has gone significantly down their behaviour has gotten significantly worse. I do believe it is linked... and then how dare I take an extra week of vacation off (no matter what the reason) ... I believe it is a power struggle situation and I know for a fact that the folks involved are not the most stable if you get my drift. I swear to pete I thought they were going to pop a vein... I'm serious... I will have to email you privately and tell you more... I have to be careful what I say.... but again...back to YOU... I'm excited for you! Next Wednesday right? Same day surgery??? Make sure that you post or have your DH post so that we know you are doing ok?? Pixielf~